I think we can all say we’ve made some mistakes, have some regrets and have pangs of childhood nostalgia. But, changing your ways of living and altering your mindset is never too late. Here is a list of the things I wish I had known in my teens and twenties. Let’s start living now with these things in mind. Here’s for do-overs! Here’s to 2018!

FAILURE IS FLEETING

The purpose of failure is not for self definition or wallowing in sorrow – but instead to teach you how to succeed the next time. This applies in every aspect of life. Taking tests. Losing a basketball, football, soccer game. Sparring. Poor investments in companies, friends, time. Failure is one of life’s biggest gifts.

LET GO OF RESENTMENT

Holding onto resentment only gives the perpetrator power and gives you nothing but stress and immobility. See above and use bad things and people as wise lessons. You don’t have to ‘forget’ about it. But just – as Frozen says…. Let it Go.

PROTECT THY SKIN

The best makeup is skincare. Wear sunscreen and hats. It’s not worth the skin damage and definitely not worth skin cancer.

IF A FRIEND IS TALKING SMACK ABOUT EVERYONE, S/HE IS TALKING SMACK ABOUT YOU.

Plain and simple. No one is an exception.

NOT GETTING A JOB OR GETTING FIRED FROM A JOB SHOULD BE EMBRACED AND CELEBRATED

It’s always for the best. You only hear horror stories and “you dodged a bullet” nightmares later. Rejection leads you to a new path and a different set of eyes.

PURSUE YOUR DREAMS

Don’t be embarrassed for chasing your wildest dreams — and don’t allow yourself to be pressured into pursuing an occupation. (This applies to all Asians with immigrant parents, especially.)

LEARN TO COOK

It’s fun and it’s an art. Start learning when you’re young so you can be a stellar dinner host when you’re older.

DO YOGA REGULARLY

If there’s anyone who needs it, it’s stressed out teens and kids in their early twenties. This is the age when you magnify inconsequential things and let it set the compass for your day. As we get older, we recognize the union of the mind and the body. This lack of recognition is lost among our youth.

SMILE AT EVERYONE

It’ll make a happy human happier – and a sad human less sad.

And because….Why not?

DON’T EVER DOUBT YOUR COOLNESS

Outliers are the new quarterbacks.

Own it.

FIND YOUR ‘THING”

Find something to be passionate about to whisk you away from life’s stresses. Besides, you’ll never know if it’ll turn into your adult career. Keep honing the craft you love.

COMPLIMENT OFTEN

I love complimenting strangers – and it always takes them aback. Why do we always say nice things about someone behind their backs? (“She’s gorgeous.” “I love her shoes.” “She’s the smartest person I know.”)

Say nice things to the faces of friends and strangers.

I emailed my friend Robyn to tell her that, at a dinner party, our friend Davina was saying nice things about her behind her back. It made Robyn’s day – and she was so grateful I told her.

MOVE OUT OF YOUR HOME CITY AT SOME POINT IN YOUR LIFE. WHETHER FOR COLLEGE, GRAD SCHOOL OR CAREER

One of the biggest regrets I have is not moving to New York or Paris as I had always wanted to do. Then 5 years passed and another. And another. Do it before you’re tied down and before your parents are growing older and you want/need to be near them.

BUY QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

This is one of the best pieces of advice I received from French lifestyle guru Mireille Guiliano. Save for good items and quality pieces that are timeless and will last a lifetime.

Whenever I receive compliments on my clothing or jewelry, they ceaselessly seem to be for items that are over 15-20 years old and will last for 100 more.

READ, READ, READ!

Self-education is where it’s at. It’s where you find revelation, inspiration, ideas and peace.

++ Thanks for reading my post on THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN IN MY TEENS AND TWENTIES. I think it’s stuff we all already know. But we really need a kick in the pants to remind us. Happy Holidays to you all!

The Thrive Global Community welcomes voices from many spheres. We publish pieces written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Learn more or join us as a community member!

Share your comments below. Please read our commenting guidelines before posting. If you have a concern about a comment, report it here.

Sign up for the Thrive Global newsletter

“People look for retreats for themselves, in the country, by the coast, or in the hills . . . There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind. . . . So constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself.”